MS8 Single Axis Industrial Controller
Reliable and Precise Control for Mobile Equipment Environments
The MS8 is a single-axis industrial joystick controller designed for proportional control of a single machine function in mobile and industrial equipment. It provides repeatable operator input through a compact joystick or lever interface and supports configurable analog and networked output options for system integration.
Available configurations include Hall Effect electronics, programmable analog output, PLC current output, CANopen, J1939, and remote-mount PWM electronics. The controller is intended for applications requiring compact packaging, sealed construction, configurable handles, and long service life in demanding operating environments.
Key Features and Benefits
Feature |
Benefit |
|---|---|
| Single-axis proportional control | Supports controlled operation of a single machine function |
| Compact form factor | Fits space-constrained operator interface layouts |
| Hall Effect sensing | Provides non-contact position sensing for repeatable input performance |
| Programmable analog outputs | Allows output behavior to be matched to system requirements |
| 0–10 V output option | Supports integration with voltage-based control inputs |
| 4–20 mA output option | Supports compatibility with current-loop control systems |
| Ratiometric output option | Allows output scaling relative to supply voltage where required |
| Absolute output option | Supports fixed-value signal output for specific control architectures |
| CANbus, CANopen, and J1939 options | Enables integration with networked machine control systems |
| Remote-mount PWM electronics option | Supports installations requiring separated electronics packaging |
| Two programmable digital outputs | Provides additional interface capability for auxiliary control functions |
| 3 A total digital output current | Supports external output switching within the listed current limit |
| Short-circuit protection | Helps protect the controller in fault conditions |
| Sealed housing | Helps protect internal components in demanding operating environments |
| Conformal coated electronics | Adds protection for internal circuitry in harsh environments |
| Multiple handle configurations | Allows the controller to be configured for different operator interface requirements |
| High cycle mechanical design | Supports long service life in repeated-use applications |
Additional Specs & Downloads
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | Supports controlled operation of a single machine function |
| Output Type | Fits space-constrained operator interface layouts |
| Output Configuration | Provides non-contact position sensing for repeatable input performance |
| Analog Outputs | Allows output behavior to be matched to system requirements |
| Digital Outputs | Supports integration with voltage-based control inputs |
| Digital Output Current | Supports compatibility with current-loop control systems |
| Communication Protocols | Allows output scaling relative to supply voltage where required |
| Sensing Technology | Supports fixed-value signal output for specific control architectures |
| Additional Electronics Option | Enables integration with networked machine control systems |
| Protection Features | Supports installations requiring separated electronics packaging |
| Wiring Options | Provides additional interface capability for auxiliary control functions |
| ID Resistor Capable | Supports external output switching within the listed current limit |
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| Axis Configuration | Single axis |
| Travel / Deflection | ±30° |
| Return Mechanism | Spring return or friction hold, depending on configuration |
| Mechanical Life | Up to 8 million cycles |
| Mounting Configuration | Panel mount |
| Mounting Hole Pattern | 4 x Ø0.219 in holes on a Ø3.625 in bolt circle |
| Enclosure / Height Options | 68 mm / 75 mm / 103 mm options shown |
| Housing / Construction | Sealed housing |
| Handle Options | MG handle options / RG handle options / cap and knob options / pushbutton and rocker configurations |
| Boot Options | Available boot shown in catalog |
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +60°C to +70°C, depending on source/configuration |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +90°C |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 in catalog; sealed construction and conformal coated electronics on current web page |
| EMC Compliance | CE / EMC tests per EN61000-4.3 and ISO 11452 |
| Protection | Conformal coated electronics |
| Operating Environment | Designed for mobile equipment environments |
This technical document details JS9 mechanical options, electronics, wiring interfaces, and mounting dimensions.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mounting and Integration
The MS8 is designed for panel-mounted integration into mobile and industrial operator stations. It supports single-axis proportional control with configurable output packages for analog and networked systems. Available wiring interfaces include pendant wires, Deutsch connectors, AMP connectors, and M12 connectors. The catalog shows a four-hole mounting pattern with four Ø0.219 in holes on a Ø3.625 in bolt circle, along with multiple enclosure-height options. Electronics configurations include Hall Effect analog output, PLC current output, CANopen/J1939, and remote-mount PWM options.
Typical Applications
- Mobile equipment controls
- Boom and lift control interfaces
- Cranes
- Agriculture equipment
- Mining equipment
- Utility equipment
- Airport equipment
- Emergency service equipment
- Paving equipment
- Railroad equipment
- Waste removal equipment
FAQs
Q: Does the MS8 support CANopen or J1939?
A: Yes. The MS8 catalog offers CANopen (DS401) and J1939 in the OCI-7 electronic configuration, as well as CANbus, CANopen, and J1939 communication options.
Q: What environmental range is listed for the MS8?
A: The current revised page lists an operating range of -40°C to +70°C and storage range of -40°C to +90°C with conformal coated electronics and CE-related EMC protection.
Q: What output options are available for the MS8?
A: The MS8 supports programmable output options including 0–10 V, 4–20 mA, ratiometric, absolute, 0 V to Vbat – 1 V, and -10 V to +10 V, depending on configuration. Output values and curve shape are software configurable.
